The funding was announced today by Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Karen Andrews.

Through this funding, mentoring providers such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) will be able to deliver an Apprentice Mentoring Program, which will aim to provide a wide range of services, facilities, resources and support to apprentices in their early years.

HIA deputy managing director Graham Wolfe commented: “Many young Australians face a number of challenges as they journey through their apprenticeships towards a trade qualification, particularly during the early years of their training.

“The funding enables mentoring providers such as HIA with the resources to make a real difference towards retaining apprentices to completion, which means a steady supply of qualified tradespeople at a time when industry needs them the most.”